May Feeding Tip

May in the northeastern United States is the month when the largest number of migratory bird species is present. Many of these beautiful songbirds are insect-eating birds that have spent the winter months in the southeast, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America. May is the peak of their northward movement back to breeding territories in northern latitudes.

Many of these birds supplement their primary diet with seeds and other forms of vegetation. This makes May an exciting time at our bird feeders. Our regular feeder visitors will be joined by these seasonal species. Watch for the return of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks who relish the seeds in Aspen Song Cardinal Mix. Indigo Buntings will be joining the finches at your tube filled with Aspen Song Finch Mix. Aspen Song Choice Blend is well suited to White-throated Sparrows, Fox Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows. Returning summer residents include Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and Field Sparrows who forage at platform feeders containing Aspen Song Value Blend.

This can also be a time when Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds will find our feeding stations upon their return. This is often a temporary thing as they quickly disperse to establish territories and switch to other food sources. They can be encouraged to move on by temporarily only offering seed in tube and globe style feeders which are poorly sized for their larger bodies.

Decades ago backyard bird feeding was considered a winter-only hobby. Today, we know that the thrill of watching these beautiful creatures can be enjoyed throughout the year. Enjoying the great movement of birds across the continent in the spring months is a great reason to keep those feeders filled with quality seed mixes.